Pesticides Elevate Parkinson's Risks in Males

One of the 10 most common toxins you need to avoid -- pesticides -- has been linked to, among other things, Parkinson's disease. A new Mayo Clinic study has found a new wrinkle among those risks of pesticide exposure: Men are harmed far more often than women.

Scientists looked in their own backyard (Olmsted County, Minn.) to located patients near them who had developed Parkinson's between 1976-95 (149), then compared them to 129 control patients who didn't have the disease.

Male Parkinson's patients were more than twice as likely to have been exposed to pesticides at some point in their lives. Conversely, female Parkinson's patients had a much lower frequency of pesticide exposure than males did (researchers theorize estrogen may offer women some protection). And, scientists found no additional links to other household or industrial chemicals.

By the way, if you think living in an urban area far away from gardens or farms safeguards you from any risks, forget it: Based on a report I posted two years ago, the average person carries around at least 13 harmful pesticides in their bodies, if not more. Aside from avoiding pesticides, some other simple tips you can do to reduce your exposure to pesticides:

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Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Mercola, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Mercola and his community. Dr. Mercola encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content.

If you want to use an article on your site please click here. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Mercola is required.